Entertainment calendar March 28-April 3

CROSSGATES MALL, 1 Crossgates Mall, Albany. The Tri-City ValleyCats have partnered with Oldies 98.3 to host the 3rd Annual National Anthem tryouts 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 6. All interested performers should report to the lower level of Crossgates Mall near the Apple Store to register. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. Auditions will be conducted on a first come-first go basis. Contestants may choose to perform the National Anthem or God Bless America a cappella. Performers may apply individually, as a group, or both. The winner will get to sing the National Anthem on a selected premium fireworks night at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium, which draws an average of 5,000 fans. Other contestants may be selected to perform at the ballpark as well.

SCHENECTADY CIVIC PLAYERS. A call for submission of scenes or monologues (no more than 10 minutes in length) and actors for consideration for "Be Scene," a first-ever June 1 production at Schenectady Civic Players. Submission deadline April 1. More info and how to submit email bescene@civicplayers.org.

ALBANY INSTITUTE OF HISTORY & ART, 125 Washington Ave., Albany. 463-4478. The Albany Institute of History & Art presents an exhibition commemorating the 250th anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church of Albany, including displays two gifts from the church in the Entry Way Gallery, through April 14. A rare 1790 Church Penny, used by congregants as currency in the Sunday collection plate; and a hand-written subscription document signed by Alexander Hamilton, Richard Varick, and John Jay to help fund the construction of the second edifice built in 1795 on the corner of Beaver and Pearl Streets. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Adults, $10; seniors and students, $8; children 6-12, $6; children under 6, free. As part of the arts walk that showcases the thriving and lively art scene in downtown Albany, the Albany Institute is open for extended hours, from 5 PM until 8 PM, on the first Friday of every month. During these three hours admission is free.

BENNINGTON MUSEUM, 75 Main St., Bennington, Vt. 802-447-1571. Largest collection of Grandma Moses paintings in the world as well as the largest collection of 19th century Bennington pottery. In the other 7 galleries, the museum presents a 1924 Wasp Touring Car, one of only 20 produced, military artifacts, one of the earliest 'stars and stripes' in existence, fine and decorative arts and more. Open every day through October. Adults, $10; seniors and students over 18, $9. Admission is never charged for younger students.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF DANCE, 99 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs. 584-2225. Homage to Dance, Sculptures and Drawings By Andrew DeVries, through Nov. 24; Dancers Among Us; A Riotous Work: A Centennial Celebration of the Rite of Spring. Museum hours are 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

THE NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM, Madison Avenue, Albany. 474-5877. An Irrepressible Conflict: The Empire State in the Civil War, through Sept. 22. Gordon Parks: 100 Moments, through May 19. Eugene Ludins: An American Fantasist, explores the life and work of a noted Woodstock, New York painter of realist and fantastical landscapes, provocative political allegories, and insightful portraits, through May 12. The museum is open 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission is free.

NORTH COUNTRY ARTS CENTER, Second Floor Gallery, City Hall, 42 Ridge St., Glens Falls. Paintings and sculpture by Mike Willig through the end of April. The gallery is open weekends. Admission is free.

PRUYN HOUSE, 207 Old Niskayuna Road, Newtonville. The Colonie Art League and the Friends of Pruyn House are co-sponsoring an art exhibit, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, April 5 through April 29. Admission is free.

THE RENSSELAER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 57 Second St., Troy. 272-7232. Troy is My Home Town, The Life and Times of Maureen Stapleton, through July 27. Hours are noon-5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

THE TANG, Skidmore College, 819 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs. 580-8080. Someday is Now: The Art of Corita Kent, through July 28; We the People, through April 7; Elevator Music 23, Yoko Ono: Listen, through May 19; Opener 24, Carrie Moyer: Pirate Jenny, through May 19; Paul Shambroom: Meetings, through April 14. Crowded, selection of works from Tang Collection, through April 14. Hours are noon-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; noon-9 p.m. Thursday.

WILLIAMS COLLEGE MUSEUM OF ART, Main Street, Williamstown, Mass. 413-597-2429. Painting Between The Lines, through June 9. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.

POTPOURRI

ARTS CENTER OF THE CAPITAL REGION, 265 River St., Troy. 273-0038. Troy Savings Bank Music Hall presents a lecture series with local authors, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for one lecture. Jackie Morse Kessler, Wednesday, April 3; John Blower, Wednesday, May 1.

THE CAPITOL. Albany. 473-7582. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation in partnership with the Office of General Services announce the continuance of the popular Capitol Civil War Tour, "1862: Red, White, and Battered - A Civil War Tour at the New York State Capitol," through June 2013. The free hour-long tour will continue to be offered on the first Thursday of the month beginning at 5:30 p.m. To reserve a tour, interested parties can register by calling 473-7582.

WILLIAM K. SANFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY, Stedman Room, 629 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville. The Mohawk Hudson Group of Sierra Club presents Sprawl on Steroids' in the Adirondacks presented by John Caffrey and Bob Glennon, 7-9 p.m. Thursday, March 28. Free.